Students seeking the best options for their higher education would do well to look beyond their college days. By envisioning their ultimate goal, students can set themselves on a direct path towards success.
Students aiming for careers as physicians, dentists, lawyers, engineers, physical therapists, and physician assistants may want to target “direct entry” programs. These programs provide a direct pathway for students to move onto their advanced programs, often without taking further standardized tests or applying for admission.
For example, Drexel and Seton Hall universities, as well as a host of other institutions, offer a direct entry BS/MD course of study that allows students to gain early acceptance into both their undergraduate program and medical school at the same time.
Students seeking a career in dentistry may want to seek acceptance to the University of Pennsylvania Bio-Dental Program. This Ivy League institution partners with Hampton University, Lehigh University, Muhlenberg College and Villanova University in offering a combined seven-year B.S./DMD program.
There are also 7-to-8-year combined programs, leading to a career in dentistry, offered by NYU, Boston University, Rutgers University, Temple University, University of Florida, University of Pittsburgh, University of Connecticut, and a host of other institutions.
Students with a passion for law may consider the new program between The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) and Villanova University. It allows qualified TCNJ juniors to move onto Villanova Law School in place of their senior year of college, earning both dual credit and a full tuition Villanova scholarship. Accelerated BA/JD or BS/JD programs are also offered at Rutgers, Rowan, and Drexel universities.
Students interested in engineering may seek entrance to the Combined Plan Program between Columbia University and a host of pre-selected schools. Students spend three years at any of 100 specified undergraduate colleges and then transfer to Columbia for two years. They earn a liberal arts bachelor’s degree from the first school and an engineering bachelor’s degree from Columbia – an Ivy League university with a regular acceptance rate of 4%.
Direct entry programs have become very popular in recent years for students seeking a career as a physical therapist or physician’s assistant. These programs allow students to move seamlessly from their bachelor’s program to their advanced degree program, usually without taking additional tests or applying for admission. Often, their education is reduced by a year or more.
Direct entry for both of these fields is offered at University of Pittsburgh and Quinnipiac, Duquesne, Seton Hall, and St. Joseph’s universities, as well as at a host of other schools.
By starting college with a clear career path, students can save time, money, and a great deal of stress.
Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362
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